Pages

Monday, September 12, 2011

Today in Labor History—September 12

September 12, 1866 – Somewhere on or around this date in 1866, the first African-American trade union, the Colored Caulkers' Trade Union Society of Baltimore, was founded, with Isaac Myers as the union's first president. (From the Daily Bleed)

September 12, 1932 – Unemployed people marched on grocery stores and seized food from shops in Toledo, Ohio. Many unemployed workers were near starvation after county authorities cut off relief. Across the country starving people were taking direct action instead of waiting for government help. (From the Daily Bleed)

September 12, 1934 – National Guards troops were deployed throughout New England (except Vermont and New Hampshire) to quell textile labor strikes. 1,500 strikers fought state troopers in Connecticut, with other conflicts occurring in Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell and Lewiston. In Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 500 protestors attacked the police with bricks. National Guards fired into the crowd, killing one and wounding many. (From the Daily Bleed)

September 12, 1998 - Union Square in New York City was named a national historic landmark, with a plaque commemorating it as the site of the first Labor Day in 1882. Samuel Gompers spoke there in 1886 on May Day and the Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies) demonstrated frequently during the economic depression of 1914-15. (From Workday Minnesota)